Basiliximab Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 8, 2024.
Applies to basiliximab: intravenous powder for solution.
Important warnings
This medicine can cause some serious health issues
Intravenous route (powder for solution)
Only physicians experienced in immunosuppression therapy and management of organ transplantation patients should prescribe basiliximab.
The physician responsible for basiliximab administration should have complete information requisite for the follow-up of the patient.
Patients receiving the drug should be managed in facilities equipped and staffed with adequate laboratory and supportive medical resources.
Precautions
If you are continuing your course of therapy with basiliximab after you are discharged from the hospital, it is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. Your doctor will want to do laboratory tests to make sure basiliximab is working properly.
It is important to maintain good dental hygiene and see a dentist regularly for teeth cleaning.
If you are a woman of childbearing age, you should use effective contraception while receiving this medicine and for 2 months after treatment with basiliximab is completed.
Serious side effects of basiliximab
Along with its needed effects, basiliximab may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking basiliximab:
More common side effects
- abdominal pain
- back pain
- coughing
- dizziness
- fever or chills
- loss of energy or weakness
- painful urination
- shortness of breath
- sore throat
- swelling of the ankles, body, face, feet or lower legs
- trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
- vomiting
- white patches in the mouth or throat or on the tongue
Less common side effects
- abnormal vision
- agitation
- anxiety
- bleeding, tender, or enlarged gums
- blood in the stool
- bruising
- chest pain
- depression
- difficulty in urinating
- fatigue
- itching
- numbness or pain in the legs
- skin rash
- sores in the mouth
- “stocking and gloves” sensation of the hands or feet
- tingling
Other side effects of basiliximab
Some side effects of basiliximab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common side effects
- acne
- constipation
- diarrhea
- headache
- heartburn
- nausea
- trouble in sleeping
- weight gain
Less common side effects
- excessive hair growth
- joint pain
- muscle pain
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For healthcare professionals
Applies to basiliximab: intravenous powder for injection.
Cardiovascular adverse events
- Very common (10% or more): Peripheral edema (29%), hypertension (27%), general edema (21%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Chest pain, face edema, leg edema, abnormal heart sounds, angina pectoris, cardiac failure, hypotension, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, tachycardia
- Postmarketing reports: Capillary leak syndrome[Ref]
Hematologic
- Very common (10% or more): Anemia (26%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Hematoma, hemorrhage, purpura, thrombocytopenia, thrombosis, polycythemia, leukopenia
Hypersensitivity
- Postmarketing reports: Severe acute hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis)
Immunologic
- Very common (10% or more): Infection, sepsis
- Postmarketing reports: Cytokine release syndrome
Musculoskeletal
- Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, arthropathy, back pain, bone fracture, cramps, hernia, myalgia, leg pain
Ocular
- Common (1% to 10%): Cataract, conjunctivitis, abnormal vision
Metabolic
- Very common (10% or more): Hyperkalemia (22%), hypercholesterolemia (11%), hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, hypophosphatemia, hyperuricemia
- Common (1% to 10%): Acidosis, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, fluid overload, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, hypomagnesemia, hypoproteinemia, weight increase
Psychiatric
- Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (24%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Agitation, anxiety, depression
Genitourinary
- Very common (10% or more): Urinary tract infection (46%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Unspecified bladder disorders, genital edema, impotence, ureteral disorder, urinary retention, oliguria
Respiratory
- Very common (10% or more): Upper respiratory tract infection (20%), rhinitis, dyspnea
- Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis, bronchospasm, abnormal chest sounds, coughing, pharyngitis, pneumonia, pulmonary disorder, pulmonary edema, rhinitis, sinusitis
- Postmarketing reports: Respiratory failure
Other
- Very common (10% or more): Pain (42%), fever (20%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, malaise
Nervous system
- Very common (10% or more): Headache (24%), tremor (19%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Rigors, dizziness, neuropathy, paresthesia, hypoesthesia
Renal
- Common (1% to 10%): Albuminuria, bladder disorder, dysuria, frequent micturition, hematuria, increased non-protein nitrogen, abnormal renal function, renal tubular necrosis
Dermatologic
- Very common (10% or more): Hypertrichosis, surgical wound complication, acne
- Common (1% to 10%): Cyst, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, hypertrichosis, pruritus, rash, skin disorder, skin ulceration
Endocrine
- Common (1% to 10%): Increased glucocorticoids
Gastrointestinal
- Very common (10% or more): Constipation (48%), nausea (34%), abdominal pain (21%), diarrhea (21%), vomiting (20%), dyspepsia
- Common (1% to 10%): Enlarged abdomen, esophagitis, flatulence, GI disorder, gastroenteritis, GI hemorrhage, gum hyperplasia, melena, moniliasis, ulcerative stomatitis
References
1. (2001) "Product Information. Simulect (basiliximab)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
More about basiliximab
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: interleukin inhibitors
- Breastfeeding
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Further information
Basiliximab side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.